2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 53.7% of Mercedes-Benz A-Class cars first used in 2003 passed their MOT first time, against 58.7% for all cars first used in 2003. Across 3,905 A-Class first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, suspension and brakes.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Mercedes-Benz A-Class cars first used in 2003 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, A-Class cars first used in 2003 against all cars first used in 2003 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the A-Class figure was 5.0 points lower.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2003 A-Class | All cars first used 2003 | A-Class first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 53.0% | 54.0% | 2,944 |
| 2022 | 55.3% | 55.7% | 2,216 |
| 2023 | 53.1% | 56.7% | 1,685 |
| 2024 | 55.6% | 57.2% | 1,253 |
| 2025 | 53.7% | 58.7% | 967 |
Common 2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT failures
Share of the 1,795 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 16.8% | 301 |
| Stop lamp: not working | 14.4% | 258 |
| Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded | 10.7% | 192 |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | 10.4% | 187 |
| Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect | 9.8% | 176 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for an A-Class in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
Common 2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2003 A-Class cars, as a share of all 3,905 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 35.7% | 1,394 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 14.6% | 571 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 12.1% | 471 |
| Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil | 11.7% | 456 |
| Registration plates: deteriorated but not likely to be misread | 10.0% | 389 |
Questions about the 2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
In 2025, 53.7% of A-Class cars first used in 2003 passed their MOT first time, against 58.7% for all cars first used in 2003. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2003 A-Class most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 49.4% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (41.1%) and brakes (27.0%). The single most common item was “Coil spring: fractured or broken” (16.8%).
How often does a 2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class fail its MOT?
In 2025, 46.3% of first tests on A-Class cars first used in 2003 did not pass first time: 35.1% failed, and a further 11.3% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 1,795 of 3,905 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT advisories?
“Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (on 35.7% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (14.6%), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (12.1%), “Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil” (11.7%) and “Registration plates: deteriorated but not likely to be misread” (10.0%).
Is a 2003 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 53.0% in 2021 to 53.7% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2003
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2003 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2003 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2003 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2003 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2003 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2003 A-Class?
The numbers above cover every A-Class first used in 2003 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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